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Updated: May 25, 2026

Biosensor-based High Throughput Biopanning and Bioinformatics Analysis Strategy for the Global Validation of Drug-protein Interactions
Published on: December 1, 2020
Target-based drug discovery, genetic diseases, and biologics
1Biologics Consulting Group, Inc., 19 Sugar Knoll Drive, Devon, PA 19333-1558, USA. ohurko@bcg-usa.com
Drug discovery shifted to a target-based approach, driven by genomics, combinatorial chemistry, and high-throughput screening. Marshall Nirenberg's foundational work enabled these advances, impacting pharmaceutical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Genomics
Background:
- Drug discovery evolved from empirical methods to a theoretical, target-based strategy.
- This shift was enabled by advances in genomics, ligand production, and screening technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the strategic shift in drug discovery towards a target-based approach.
- To highlight the enabling role of Marshall Nirenberg's scientific contributions.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing for target identification.
- Combinatorial chemistry and monoclonal antibody production for ligand generation.
- High-throughput screening for target-ligand interaction evaluation.
Main Results:
- Genomics facilitated the identification and characterization of drug targets.
- Combinatorial chemistry and monoclonal antibodies enabled efficient ligand production.
- High-throughput screening rapidly evaluated target-ligand interactions.
Conclusions:
- Marshall Nirenberg's work, including the genetic code and hybridoma technology, was crucial for target-based drug discovery.
- This approach has led to both successes and shortcomings in the pharmaceutical industry.
- The implications for therapeutic goals and modalities warrant consideration.
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